Maybe Later

I love reading so much that I’m tirelessly and constantly on the lookout for the next new book that’ll keep me awake till 3 a.m. 4 days in a row. I’m tired of the “been-there-done-that” type of novels.

Yet, there’s always a risk involved in trying something new or in sailing in uncharted waters (I promise I’ll end this metaphor soon, haha)… The worst is expecting a mental explosion and just getting a pop rocks instead. On the other hand, risk can also involve rewards.

In the past few months, I’ve taken some literary risks and been greatly rewarded.

Recent Rewarded Risks:

1. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins– I’d never really read a lot of post-apocalyptic novels before this series. Despite my other blog posts, this really is a new genre for me. But, this series is really gripping. The world that’s created here is very full and very detailed. I also love that there’s some romance going on. A love triangle at that. This series describes an empty, barren world that’s left after serious nuclear fallout, making all the roiling emotions and actions of the characters burst out of the pages. I also mention these books in more detail in my post “The Unexpected.” PLUS–you can have triple the enjoyment by reading the first tow books and getting the last book in this series, Mockingjay, fresh off the press in August!

2. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews- This was kinda a risk because the storyline is just plain weird, but a good weird, like 30 Rock. In fact, it has a place in it called The Weird. There are 3 places: The Broken, the Edge, and the Weird. The Broken’s everyday America. The Weird is an alternate version of America; it looks the same but infused with magic where all kinds of crazy spells and people exist. And, the Edge is the place between these opposites. Enter Rose Drayton who lives in the Edge with her two brothers. Oh, and also enter supernatural trouble and lots of it. It’s a very entertaining–despite its somewhat redundantly-described creatures.

3. Inside Outby Maria V. Snyder– This novel seemed like a real departure from Snyder’s other books. Just from reading the back cover, it seemed like the characters were less emotive and engaging than her Poison Study series and Storm Glass series. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Plus, I got to read it on Tim’s amazing Kindle. I was extremely skeptical on that front too. But, now it turns out…its my Kindle by rights of using it the most. We might have to get a second one…. 😉

4. Heart’s Bloodby Juliet Marillier- Although I have literally read every book this author has written, I actually passed over this book several times. Mainly because it looked like a remake of Beauty and the Beast. The plot and characters definitely resemble that famous story, but there are definitely original twists and in depth character development, plus Marillier always gives her stories a Celtic flair. Definitely worth it- despite it still being available only in hardback. Unless you’re a diehard fan of Marillier’s, I would wait for the paperback edition just to save some cash.

5. Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore- This is a quirky tale of Sources and Shields. Sources channel natural disasters and raw magic away from harming cities and its people. Shields guard Sources during their intense focus and work diverting these disasters. Sources and Shields are bonded to each other for life–partners in fending off danger to their assigned city. Of course Dunleavy and Shintaro (yes, these are their names for reals), a newly bonded Pair, hate each other’s guts. I was drawn in to this story by this very original story but felt unsure about the predictable nature of Dunleavy and Shintaro’s relationship. Well, there’s 5 books and I’m on the 3rd one and things have stayed interesting and relatively unpredictable. A very satisfying read.

For those of us who love reading, wasting $8 on a paperback can definitely be considered a risk. But, in life there are so many other, bigger, more serious risks we take. For me, my career has been a very big risk. I was told as a new graduate that if I wanted a job in the journalism field, then I’d have to move because it’s rare for journalists to find a job in their hometown. But, I took the risk. I decided I’d rather try to find something locally than move away from me and Tim’s families and all our friends. Although things have been tough and extremely challenging, I truly believe we made the right choice and that “everything works for the good of those who love Him.”

Besides, I was recently blessed with a part-time copy-editing job at the last newspaper I interned at, the Seminole Chronicle. This is definitely a step in the right direction, and I’m so thankful.

Plus– one of my very best friends has made a big decision and is moving to NYC for graduate school! I’m going to miss her so much! I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to visit her in the bustling city of Manhattan!

Jen and I at my bachelorette party. She's the gorgeous girl on the right! <3

Upcoming: My list of Un-rewarded Risks/Books I wish I could return but can’t because the spine is creased

About Lisa Parkin

I'm a hardcore lover of young adult fiction and have been reviewing books since 2011. Other interests include Downton Abbey, heat lightning storms, Harry Potter land and (begrudingly) one orange tabby.

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Captain! I need you to give me some reading recommendations! I’m in desperate need of new reading material. Any recommendations that you think would be a good fit for me? 😛

Lisa Parkin

Kyle! hahaha You are so funny. I miss our book trading days!

I think you’d LOVE the Hunger Games and Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. These books are seriously awesome.

Hmmm what else??? AND Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Love love love! Hope you like ’em!!

Lisa

Megan

I’m the SAME way! I was about to get on a plane and needed a book so I just grabbed “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” on a whim. I finished it within four days and neglected everything else I was supposed to be doing because it was so good.

Then, I started reading a book that I got from the dollar bookstore, and 3 weeks later I still haven’t finished it because it’s so boring! But I can’t stop reading it, because I hate stopping a book in the middle.

Sigh. The life of a book nerd is a hard one, is it not? Full of ups and downs.

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My name's Lisa and I run Read.Breathe.Relax, a young adult fantasy/sci-fi book blog where reading is an addictive habit I never want to kick. I often have to tell myself to keep calm and read, breathe, relax.

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